Including a record number of diamonds above 1 carat, it is also among the largest Tenders in Argyle history, equalling the 2012 Tender and second only to the 1987 Tender, which featured 83 stones.
Five ‘hero’ stones – exceptional diamonds given special names – will be included, headlined by the largest fancy intense pink diamond ever offered at the Tender, the 3.47-carat Argyle Eclipse.
The other hero stones are:
- Lot 2: Argyle Stella – 1.79 carat, square radiant shaped Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink diamond
- Lot 3: Argyle Lumiere – 2.03 carat, square radiant shaped Fancy Deep Pink diamond
- Lot 4: Argyle Solaris – 2.05 carat, radiant shaped Fancy Intense Pink diamond
- Lot 5: Argyle Bohème – 1.01 carat, radiant shaped Fancy Red diamond
Titled ‘The Journey Beyond’, the Tender marks the concluding chapter in the Argyle Mine’s nearly four-decade history; located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, ceased operations on 3 November 2020.
Sinead Kaufman, chief executive – Rio Tinto Minerals, said, “I am delighted to launch this historic collection of extraordinary diamonds, a testament to the amazing Argyle ore body and the men and women who have worked so hard to bring these diamonds to market.”
First held in 1985, the annual Argyle Tender is considered one of the most anticipated diamond sales in the world.
Patrick Coppens, general manager – sales and marketing for Rio Tinto diamonds, added, “The Argyle pink diamond story has continued to enthral throughout the years following the remarkable discovery of the Argyle mine in 1979. The final Tender collection of these beyond rare diamonds will be keenly sought after as heritage gemstones of the future, coveted by collectors and connoisseurs from around the world.”
Offered alongside the main Tender is the ‘Once In A Blue Moon’ collection; 41 lots of blue and violet diamonds weighing 24.88 carats in total.
It is the third 'Once In A Blue Moon' collection in Argyle's history and the first in nearly a decade.
The inaugural Argyle ‘Once In A Blue Moon’ collection of blue and violet stones – made up of 16 lots – was offered alongside the 2009 Tender; the second, comprising 19 lots, was offered in 2012.
The 2021 Argyle Tender will be showcased in Perth, Antwerp, Singapore and Sydney, subject to COVID-19 protocols. Bids close on 1 September 2021.
Notably, the 2020 Argyle Tender achieved "record-breaking" prices according to Rio Tinto, despite the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions preventing many from viewing the stones in person.
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More reading:
From birth to timeless legacy: The complete story of Argyle pink diamonds
Colour diamond specialist supplier reveals rare Argyle stones
Argyle tender breaks records during pandemic following pink diamond mine closure
End of an era: Argyle Mine officially closed
2020 Argyle Tender diamonds revealed
Results of 2019 Argyle Diamond Tender revealed